Elk study planned in North Idaho

LEWISTON – State biologists plan to capture as many as 30 adult elk and as many as 20 elk calves in North Idaho this week to put radio collars on them as part of a multiyear study into what’s killing them.

The Lewiston Tribune reported that Idaho Fish and Game workers plan to lure elk in the remote Lolo hunting zone into traps baited with hay. They also hope to catch as many as 10 moose.

Biologist Jon Horne said past studies have found deep snow makes it harder for elk to find food and escape predators, including wolves.

He said the most recent study will find out if predators or lack of nutrition are bigger factors in elk deaths in heavy snow years.